World Wetland Day observed at Loktak Lake

IMPHAL, February 2: As widely observed across the globe, the World Wetlands Day 2016 was also observed today at the Langolsabi and Komjao Area of Bishnupur district under the “Loktak for Our Future Generation”. The day was jointly organized by All Loktak Lake Fisherman’s Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), AMTPWA, CORE, COHR, CRA, CSD, INTACH Manipur, IP,

IMPHAL, February 2: As widely observed across the globe, the World Wetlands Day 2016 was also observed today at the Langolsabi and Komjao Area of Bishnupur district under the “Loktak for Our Future Generation”. The day was jointly organized by All Loktak Lake Fisherman’s Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), AMTPWA, CORE, COHR, CRA, CSD, INTACH Manipur, IP,

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/02/world-wetland-day-observed-at-loktak-lake/

How Smart Will Imphal Smart City Be?

How Smart Will Imphal Smart City Be? By Khwairakpam Gajananda   In this era of science and technology, we have reached the moon, we are planning to live on the Mars

View of Imphal City. Photo by: Deepak shijagurumayum

View of Imphal City. Photo by: Deepak shijagurumayum

How Smart Will Imphal Smart City Be?

By Khwairakpam Gajananda

 

In this era of science and technology, we have reached the moon, we are planning to live on the Mars and everyone has a desire to develop. Then the big question is, “how can we make it possible”? We need a vision, which must identify the potential risks and bottlenecks and their possible solutions in order to mobilize efforts in a focused manner. It is neither a prediction of what will actually occur, nor simply wish-lists of desirable but unattainable ends. It is a testimonial of what we believe is possible for Manipur to achieve, by fully mobilizing all the available resources like – human, technological and natural resources. Our effective strategies should focus on fully utilizing the man, material, technological and natural resources that we possesses—in the most rapid, efficient, organize and sustainable manner.

Every Nation or State, therefore, needs a vision, which should stir the imaginations and motivates its people to greater efforts. The denizens of Manipur should also share visions of prosperous Manipur, visions of winners, visions of leaders. Here, a vision is not just a public speech, conference proceeding, project report or a plan target—it is an articulation of the desired end results in broader terms.

Clearly, Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) has been experiencing the growth, parallel to some other cities of India. The contributions of Manipur to the World and India are already written in the golden book, because of which, today, we are known to many as, “Power House of Sports”, “Land of Polo”, “Land of Dancing Deer”, “Land of Siroi Lily”, “Land of Juko Lily”, “Land of Loktak Lake”, “Land of Women Markets” etc. These will clearly provoke our thoughts that, “How smart will Imphal Smart City (ISC) be?”

To answer the above question, we need to have focused objectives, such as: To identifies and apply appropriate technological advancement and conservation principles for the betterment of the ISC urban infrastructures and food security by protecting the natural environment. To pioneer in developing a new ISC, rather than to copy or follow others. To commit in disseminating indigenous knowledge and cultures at local, national and international levels. To show-case our indigenous products all over the world through entrepreneurships. To target better economic performances of the ISC. The ISC should also have the goals for food security, sustainable livelihoods, poverty alleviation, quality educations and jobs creations by mitigating the negative impacts on various factors and by sustainably utilizing the available resources.

Nonetheless, ISC will have many challenges to meet. Some of them are: Competition—no doubt Imphal City is supplemented by picturesque surroundings, still it has many growing challenges from various factors such as inter cities competitions, migrations and immigrations, environmental degradations, wastes problems, lack of proper infrastructures, pollutions, energy inefficiency etc. Health—lack of preventive, curative or palliative pharmaceutical or medical facilities to treat pandemic diseases. Urban Economy—lack of participation in building a strong financial capital of the State. Urban Safety— no Zero Accident City. Food Security—no proper facilities for processing and preservation of food grains, vegetables and fruits. Environment—no proper sustainable environmental conservations and tackling the major issues in a holistic approach. To meet the above challenges, ISC needs to plan itself. The plans should be systematically identified and evaluated by competent authorities of IMC, so that it can be implemented by giving utmost importance.

All over the world, urban and peri-urban agriculture is contributing to employment opportunities and income generations of households, operating as individuals and organized as micro and small enterprise operators, cooperatives and investors. It has also become an area of investment opportunity. Producers are able to satisfy their food need and supply the market with agricultural products mainly grains, crops, vegetables, poultry, milk, livestock, fruits, honey, tree crops etc.

In this scenario, the utilizations of wastewater and biodegradable solid wastes have high potential for reuse in agriculture; an opportunity for increasing food and environmental security, avoiding direct pollution of rivers, canals and surface water, conserving water and nutrients, conserving lands and landscapes. Thereby, reducing the need for chemical fertilizer and disposing of municipal solid wastes and wastewater in a low-cost sanitary way. The WHO’s international guidelines on wastewater reuse in agriculture and aqua-culture and recommendations of wastewater treatments are considered by many governments as the legal framework. Roughly, 10% of the world’s urban wastewater is currently being used for irrigation. However, industrial wastes, such as heavy metals, acids and derivatives of plastics, and organic and inorganic components of human wastes—pose serious health and environmental threats. Prolong contacts of solid wastes and wastewater poses numbers of health and environmental risks for users and communities.

Therefore, the preparations for growth and growth plan for ISC should be, to develop capabilities to meet the challenging demand for urban populations, industries and environment. Diversification of ISC into the emerging areas, in line with the changing trends of the World and the advancement of the infrastructures and technologies is required. There should be focus on the expansion of ISC activities with increase in workforces and infrastructures. IMC should also tap the potential Human Resources. Incorporate the improvements of the human life styles, health, environment, and mitigation of the urban poor. All these can be achieved through; improvement of work cultures, infrastructures, technologies, quality educations and health facilities.

Finally, realizing the ISC goals should not be an end in itself, but rather an essential condition for allowing the spirit of Manipur to emerge and flourish. The fresh minds and young Manipuri’s have immense potentials and ideas within them—that we just need a push. It is a joint responsibility of all of us present today in Manipur, and also for the future generations who will lead tomorrow, to continue the pace of developments by leaps and bounds to fulfill the visions of our Imphal Smart City.

 

The writer is an Associate Professor at Center for Environmental Sciences, CNS, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He can be reached at gajkh@yahoo.com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/12/how-smart-will-imphal-smart-city-be/

Chanura Microfin Manipur released 10,000 fingerlings at Loktak Lake

  IMPHAL, April 4: In connection with its 8th Foundation Day, Chanura Microfin Manipur released 10,000 fingerlings into Loktak Lake to improve livelihood of fishermen residing in and around the

CEO of Chanura Microfin releasing hatchlings of fishes at Loktak Lake in observation of 8th Foundation Day of Chanura Microfin.

CEO of Chanura Microfin releasing hatchlings of fishes at Loktak Lake in observation of 8th Foundation Day of Chanura Microfin.

 

IMPHAL, April 4: In connection with its 8th Foundation Day, Chanura Microfin Manipur released 10,000 fingerlings into Loktak Lake to improve livelihood of fishermen residing in and around the lake today.

The main function of the foundation day celebration was held at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound with Dr Ch Jamini Devi, ex-Chairperson of MSCW and O Khuman, Chief Executive Officer attending as cheif guest and president respectively.

Kh Yaiskul Singh, ex-chairman of Chanura Microfin; N Harimati Devi, chairperson of Chanura Microfin Manipur; RK Anamika Devi, manager of SIDBI; Priyobarta Gurumayum, manager of NEDFI; P Yaima Singh of Rural Agriculture & Industrial Development Centre; social activist W Bimola Devi; social worker P Memi Devi and K Bangkimchandra Sharma, secretary of Gandhian Institute of Rural Development were also present as guests of honour.

As part of the celebration, several staffs of the organization were awarded with memento, certificate and gifts in recognition of their distinguished service towards growth of the organization.

The staffs who were honoured are S Romabati Devi as Best Office Assistant; H Lily Devi as Best Field Officer; P Lenin Singh as Best Branch Manager and S Saratchandra as Employee of the Year.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/chanura-microfin-manipur-released-10000-fingerlings-at-loktak-lake/

Calls to save Loktak Lake reverberate

Saving Loktak bouden duty of the people, says Chief Minister BISHNUPUR, October 8: Loktak Lake is nature`™s invaluable gift to the people of Manipur. Trying to save the lake from

IBOBI

Saving Loktak bouden duty of the people, says Chief Minister

BISHNUPUR, October 8: Loktak Lake is nature`™s invaluable gift to the people of Manipur. Trying to save the lake from further pollution and degradation is our bounden duty, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today.

The Chief Minister was attending the 25th Loktak Day observation as the chief guest at the Sendra Tourist Ground.

Safeguarding the Loktak Lake from further pollution will not only be beneficial to the environment but will also help in attracting more tourists, he continued.

Developing the lake is a common issue for all of us, Ibobi told the gathering.

He said the government is trying hard to tackle the issue by properly seeking out the vulnerable areas which are leading to its pollution.

Elaborating further, he said siltation is one problem which is leading to the degradation of the lake. Cutting down of trees in the hills is leading to silting in the rivers which feed the lake, Ibobi observed.

He said rivers like the Nambol River are feeding polluted water into the lake leading to its further degradation.

The government is also finding ways to treat the polluted river water before it reaches the lake, he continued.

According to the Chief Minister, other steps taken up to check siltation include planting of trees in the catchment areas, cleaning and digging up the lake using new technologies.

The government needs cooperation from the people inhabiting the surrounding areas of Sendra in its effort to conserve the lake, he asserted.

He continued that the locals will not be forced out like animals as rehabilitation or resettlement arrangements will be made for them. He also appealed against construction of huts on the phumdis in the name of fishing.

The Chief Minister also observed that the Takmu Regional Sports Complex would be a more suitable location for the Canoeing and Kayaking complex than Komlakhong.

He further appealed to all against politicising sports and said the National Academy of Sports Manipur was not brought to the State by the Congress or the BJP, but due to the hard-work of the sportspersons.

He continued that all political parties are invited to attend the October 11 felicitation of the sportspersons and team officials from the State who had participated in the Incheon Asian Games.

Today`™s observation was also attended by Thanga MLA T Mangibabu as president, parliamentary secretary Mairembam Prithiviraj, Kumbi MLA S Bira, Bishnupur adhyaksha zilla parishad Th Ithoibi Devi, Indian Canoeing and Kayaking Association national vice president Jotin Waikhom and ex-minister and Loktak Festival Celebration Committee president Heisnam Sanayaima as guests of honour. The observation was organised by the Loktak Lake Development Organisation.

Meanwhile, the day was also observed at the Loktak Lairembi Ground, Thanga under the theme `Save Loktak Save Environment and Save Life`™ organised by the Loktak Festival Celebration Committee, Thanga.

The observation was attended by Thanga zilla parishad member Ningthoujam Dinesh as chief guest, Thanga Part I pradhan Haobijam Tharongou Devi as president and Bishnupur adhyaksha Th Ithoibi Devi, upa-adhyaksha A Brojen and Thanga part II pradhan kh Binarani as guests of honour.

Environmentalist Dr RK Ranjan, (retd) lecturer O Tomba, prof N Joykumar, sr asst professor Dr H Nilakanta also spoke as resource persons.

The main highlights of the day were cultural shows, Tapta musical night, etc.

Meanwhile, it is also learnt that there was a brief commotion at the Sendra Tourist ground venue of the day, when certain individuals believed to be representatives of the Moirang Municipal Council came on stage and complained against identifying the venue as Sendra Thanga while stating that it should be Thanga Moirang.

The observation was disrupted for sometime after the candle lighting programme. At the same time a bandh was called at Moirang Bazar against putting the venue as Thanga.

The commotion ended after the Thanga written on the banner of the observation was covered up.

At the same time, the suspected Moirang Municipal Council representatives asked the media persons to report the venue as Moirang, representatives of the Thanga panchayat representatives came and asked the media persons to report it as Thanga.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/calls-to-save-loktak-lake-reverberate/

Manipuri Film on Loktak Lake released

The post Manipuri Film on Loktak Lake released appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.Manipur IMPHAL, July 16: A Manipuri film documentary on Loktak and its people by Kanglei Movies World was released today at the BJP Office, Nityaipat Chuthek. The film …

The post Manipuri Film on Loktak Lake released appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

Manipur IMPHAL, July 16: A Manipuri film documentary on Loktak and its people by Kanglei Movies World was released today at the BJP Office, Nityaipat Chuthek. The film was produced by Oinam Samananda Meitei. Film producer Samananda said that the … Continue reading

The post Manipuri Film on Loktak Lake released appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

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NUNG ANIGI MARAKTA SADAR HILLS

By Araba Meitei Politicking on the creation of Sadar Hills, a proposal initiated even before the present legislative members could spell the word “POLITICS”, is wrong. The delay is only… Read more »

By Araba Meitei

Politicking on the creation of Sadar Hills, a proposal initiated even before the present legislative members could spell the word “POLITICS”, is wrong. The delay is only helping the formation of dark clouds looming over the issue from Senapati where the CM was given a foreigner and a land grabber’s welcome. It is unfortunate that the successive clandestine MoUs between the Government of Manipur and Naga NGOs initiated, signed and re-endorsed by Rishang Keishing and whose footsteps W. Nipamacha Singh, a Meitei Chief Minister, toed is tumbling out of the closet much to the amazement of the SHDDC. The government’s intentional disregards only accentuate the suspicion that like his predecessors the CM might have compromise the integrity of Manipur for Naga integration. To make things straight, one may recall the source from where the CM gained political strength to oppose Th. Muivah. Had the present government formation been the same as that of Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh, the government would have crumbled or the CM would have gone to Mao gate to welcome Muivah with garland made of Lotus buds plucked from Loktak Lake.

The delay in the formation of the district aggravates the issue further and by now a stroke of communal colour is painted by the Naga NGOs. All the possible consequences are now laid bare for all to witness. The calculated move to ignite fresh ethnic conflict between the hill tribes is not likely to surface this time round. With the agenda of land annexation in the name of urbanization still fresh in the minds of the hill brethrens, the conflict of interest is likely to result in communal re-alignment among the hill tribes. The re-alignment or unification of the hill brethrens is going to be the sure nemesis of Manipur.

In the politics of Manipur, the Kukis are like ping-pong balls between the Nagas and the Meiteis. The demand for fulfillment of the proposal made in the early 70s is made a ping-pong game between the opposing integrations – Manipur and Nagas on the simple pretext that Kuki population is disproportionately high in the proposed Sadar Hills. For the Nagas, Sadar Hills is a move to curve out generous portions of the district they hope to integrate with Nagaland. For the Meiteis, it is an opportunity to strike a discord and disintegrate the unity of the hill people seen in the form of COPTAM. Between these opposing forces the issue of creating a mere administrative unit is blown out of proportion underscoring the fact that in the politics of Manipur nothing matters more than the politics of the opposing nationalisms of Meiteis and Nagas. However, the balance between the two will be easily tilted in the wake of the Kukis taking a u-turn. Any move to reach a consensus between the Nagas and the Kukis is going to prove highly detrimental to the interest of the Meiteis. Unlike earlier times the consensus is no longer impossible. That will be the end of Manipur’s integration or aspiration for Manipur’s sovereignty.

To maintain the status quo of Kuki political tone is to maintain the status quo of the integrity of Manipur territorial boundary. The use of trifle matters like creation of Sadar Hills district as a pawn to usher in communal hatred should not be seen as the solution to gain inches in the hills. The move to seize settlement rights in the hills and protection of Manipur integrity, at this point of time, will not go hand in hand and it is likely to backfire sooner or later. It sent out a very wrong signal that protection of the whole of Manipur is given up and the government is merely attempting to save small pieces of land surrounding the valley by means of urbanization and human planting.

Therefore, creation of Sadar Hills should be seen as a move to bring about development and administration and nothing more.

The above article was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Mr. Araba Meitei, he can be contacted at araba.meitei[at]yahoo.in

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Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/nung-anigi-marakta-sadar-hills/

Puducherry Chapter of the Save Loktak Lake Campaign concluded

Puducherry [16th April 2011] Source: NECEER Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign, Puducherry chapter ended today successfully. The city chapter ended with a signature campaign at Pondicherry Rock Beach at 4.00… Read more »

Puducherry [16th April 2011]
Source: NECEER

Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign, Puducherry chapter ended today successfully. The city chapter ended with a signature campaign at Pondicherry Rock Beach at 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. today. As a part of NECEER’s Worldwide save Loktak lake campaign, Puducherry hosted the campaign this month. Many local people, tourists from other states even from other countries took part in this signature campaign. People of all age groups participated in this campaign. Some of the foreigners were eager to know more about the lake, even enquired about the means of transport to reach there. They assured us that they will soon be going to the lake and will try every possible means to save the lake. Pamphlets describing about the Loktak lake, its ecological importance and the current threats to the lake were distributed. The event was carried out under the city co-ordinator Ms. Chanchan Yumnam along with 18 volunteers from different states and several supporters. Volunteers explained the importance of Loktak lake to the people and made them to take part in this campaign by getting their signatures and feed backs. The first phase of the Puducherry city campaign started on 10th April 2011 at Pondicherry University campus where questionnaires were provided and healthy discussions were held about the Loktak lake. A total of about 400 people participated in Puducherry campaign.

Save Loktak Lake Campaign at Pondicherry Rock BeachThe campaign is an awareness programme initiated by NECEER, Imphal for the conservation of Loktak Lake. More than 600 volunteers and 32 city Coordinators are involved in organizing this campaign. The campaign is to create awareness about the conservation of Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in Northeast India. The lake was recognised as Ramsar site in 1990. Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world is situated at the south west part of the lake. It is home to the endangered Manipur brow antlered deer ‘Sangai’ – Cervus eldi eldi and many endangered species. The lake is an Important Bird Area identified by BNHS, Mumbai and Birdlife International.

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NECEER’s Vision: Conservation of biodiversity for better future
Official website: www.neceer.org.in



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Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/AQSucU29u7Q/